Florianopolis history

Historical Aspects

The first Florianopolis habitants were tupis-guaranis indigenous tribes. They used to plant, fish and collect shellfishes to survive. There are evidences of their presence in this area in the archaeological sites that date back to 4800 A.C. Florianópolis was colonized by Azoreans. This can be seen in the architecture of many preserved houses that date back to the colonial period and that are distributed all over the island. One of the oldest Azorean villages is Ribeirão da Ilha. This village was founded in 1760. Besides the typical architecture, the village has Nossa Senhora da Lapa do Ribeirão Church that dates back to 1806 and the Eco Museum where there are settlers' objects and a flour mill. Another Azorean core is Santo Antônio de Lisboa, that dates back to 1750. It has interesting places to visit as Nossa Senhora das Necessidades Church (1756); an Azorean house, where it is possible to find handicrafts, pottery and coffee; and finally, the Caminho dos Açores Flour Mill (1860). You can get there by SC-401 highway, Km 17. In this score there are several folk dance groups like Pau de Fita, Boi de Mamão and the Ratoeira, formed by community members, who are encouraged at the religious festivals to maintain the Azorian habits and traditions.

In these two Azorean centers it is possible to eat very well in several pleasant restaurants and pubs on the sea front and enjoy a beautiful Florianopolis' sunset.

City Landmarks

The"postcard" image which identifies Florianopolis is the famous Hercílio Luz Bridge, that is 819m long and was built in 1926. It was the first road link between the island and the mainland. Another milestone is Cruz and Sousa Palace, located in the Metropolitan Cathedral Square in front of XV de Novembro Square, downtown area. It was built in the 18th century and served as the Province President's residence and workplace. From around the same period townhouses were built, authentic copies of the Luso-Brazilian architecture, located on Fernando Machado street. XV de Novembro square is the place where Florianopolis started being built. It was forested in the nineteenth century and proudly boasts a huge centennial fig tree. In the Public Market, which dates back to 1898, there is seafood, fresh fish and handicrafts for sale and innumerous bars and restaurants. The location is perfect to enjoy special and exotic foods in a very relaxed environment. It is located on Paulo Fontes Avenue and it is open from Monday to Friday from 7 am to 7 pm and on Saturdays from 7 am to 1:30 pm.

Fortresses

The fortresses made up the islands old defense system against pirates, mainly Belgian, Dutch and Spanish seafaring intruders. They date back to the 18th century and attract about 200,000 visitors a year who come with schooner tours. The biggest is Santa Cruz Anhatomirim Fortress (1739/1744). An interesting fact is that this fortress has never fired a cannon shot. It has a wonderful view of Ratones, Arvoredo and Santa Catarina islands, and also of the other fortresses. There is a restaurant, a snack bar, a marine aquarium and an exhibition of aquatic mammals Another fortress that can be visited by boat is Santo Antônio de Ratones (1740/1744). This building has medieval features, with a drawbridge across, water fountain and aqueduct. Located near an Atlantic Forest park, its main attractions are Ratones Ecological Trail, which allows the integration for visitors to local flora and fauna, and the photographic exhibition "Santo Antônio de Ratones Fortress Memory. In Forte Beach there is São José da Ponta Grossa Fortress (1740), a beautiful construction of 3 levels, with dungeon, guardhouse, headquarter, commandant's house, barn and chapel. There are also bobbin lace sellers. Its access is through Jurerê International Beach and the visitation is open from 9 am to 12 pm and from 1 pm to 6 pm. In January, from 9 am to 7 pm.

Churches

The Metropolitan Cathedral was built between 1753 and 1773 and holds a significant collection of religious art. São Francisco church is located in the historical part of the city, its construction started in 1803 and it opened in 1915. Despite the changes and repainting suffered since its founding in 1780, Nossa Senhora da Conceição church, located next to Morro da Lagoa, it is an excellent example of the architecture brought by the Portuguese to the island. Nossa Senhora da Lapa do Ribeirão church was built in 1763, it is located in São João district and retains many original architectural features. This church was visited by Dom Pedro II. São Sebastião do Campeche Chapel is declared a historic, artistic and architectural landmark of the city, and according to the oral tradition it was built in 1826.

Archaeological Sites

Santinho Archaeological Outdoor Museum is visited annually by more than 60 thousand people. It has painted inscriptions engraved on the rocks dating back to between one thousand and 4 thousand years ago. Joaquina Archaeological Site dates back to about 4 thousand years ago. In this area polished stone axes, scouts, human bones, shells and charcoal were found.